STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-November 25, 2014-With more than 4 feet of Champagne Powder® snow this month, Steamboat opens for the 2014/15 season tomorrow with the most terrain in the past five years including 655 acres (22% of the mountain), 52 trails and 5 lifts, including much of the upper mountain tree terrain. A specially-priced $30 lift ticket and a $20 lower mountain lift ticket option will be offered on Opening Day, Nov. 26, also known as Scholarship Day.

“Steamboat is looking forward to a historic start and fantastic early snow conditions will greet skiers and riders this Thanksgiving holiday weekend,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer. “Mountain crews have done a tremendous job taking advantage of the weather pattern, abundant snow and cold temperatures and guests won’t go hungry for terrain this holiday weekend.”

Steamboat anticipates opening Christie Peak Express, Gondola, Storm Peak Express, Burgess Creek and Four Points chairlifts on Scholarship Day. A significant portion of the upper mountain from upper Buddy’s Run to High Noon will open Wednesday. This terrain features much of the resort’s legendary tree areas, including the upper portions of Shadows, Closets and Twilight as well as One, Two & Three O’Clock trails down to Duster. In addition, a significant number of trails off Four Points and Burgess Creek will also be available. For those looking to get their jib on, rails and features will be available in Lil’ Rodeo terrain park. Please note, Upper Why Not and So What beginner trails will be available only from the top of the Gondola to the bottom of Burgess Creek lift on Wednesday. Trails and lifts are subject to change without notice as conditions change.

The resort expects to move quickly in accessing additional terrain for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and will be working to bring Big Meadow, Flying Z, lower Buddy’s Run, Tornado Lane, BC Ski Way, Why Not and Preview Lift into the count by Friday or Saturday. Snowmaking crews have produced more than double the traditional amount of snow for this time of year, recently surpassing the 50 million gallon mark due to ideal conditions. Lower Buddy’s Run, Cyclone, Typhoon and Tornado Lane will remain CLOSED for ongoing snowmaking efforts.

A series of storms blanketed the mountain with more than 52 inches/4.3 feet of powder this month including two feet of snow in past 72-hours at Thunderhead, the resort’s mid-mountain location at 9,080 feet. Steamboat is currently reporting a 30-inch base at mid-mountain; 36-inch base at the summit on powder conditions.

“DEEP Snow Conditions exist and everyone needs to ski and ride with care, within their ability levels, and remember, unmarked obstacles, deep snow and other natural terrain features may be encountered at any time,” said John Kohnke, patrol director. “Skiers and riders need to respect all closures and safety signage and are reminded that there is no backcountry access available at this time from the ski area. It’s a long season and we want you to enjoy every day, so DO NOT enter closed trails.”

With upper mountain terrain set to open, the popular Four Points Lodge will open its doors Wednesday. In addition, Thunderhead Food Court, the new Thunderhead Reds Bar, Go Joe’s, Bear River (new menu) and Stoker (Thursday) will fuel guests over Steamboat’s Opening Weekend. The Cabin features a special Thanksgiving holiday meal with all the trimmings on Thursday.

The SnowSports School will offer a full line-up of lessons and privates. Rental/Retail will operate nine locations: the newly remodeled and expanded Steamboat Ski & Sport in the Sheraton, Ski & Sport-Gondola Square as well as the Pro Shop, Four Points and Thunderhead Shops, Mountain Outfitters and the downtown store over the holiday weekend. The ticket office is open daily and parking will be available in the Gondola Square Parking Structure (paid), Knoll Lot (free) and Meadows Lot (free) starting Nov. 26.

Steamboat will celebrate the start of the 2014/15 season with the Korbel Opening Weekend Celebration, which includes free Steamboat Opening Day T-shirts handed out to the first 100 people on Wednesday; specials across the resort’s food & beverage, retail, spa outlets; and, additional surprises. On Saturday, free cupcakes, hot chocolate and Korbel Champagne Toast will occur at 2pm; followed by the first FREE concert of the season featuring Richmond-born, Denver-based Rock n’ Roll band, The Congress, at 3pm.

The resort kicks off every season with Scholarship Day, the traditional opening day benefit for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s Scholarship Fund. Since Wednesday is Scholarship Day with all proceeds going to the SSWSC, season passes including the Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus as well as other frequency passes and lift tickets are valid starting Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. Due to loyal support from skiers and riders, Scholarship Day has raised nearly $850,000 since 1991/92.